Our community suffered a major blow this week with the loss of USAF Thunderbird pilot, Maj. Stephen Del Bagno, during a routine training flight at the Nevada Test and Training Range on April 4. We have been covering this developing story for you on our website, and with regular updates posted to this Facebook page. The facts surrounding the crash of Del Bagno’s F-16, as they were known to us at press time, are on the front page. Again, we are regularly updating this story with new information on our website, www.aerotechnews.com/nellisafb.

Also on page 1, we congratulate the USAF Advanced Maintenance and Munitions Operations School at Nellis, which recently celebrated its 15th anniversary with the graduation of class 18-A. A story that has been trending across all of Aerotech’s social media pages appears on page 3 of this week’s issue. You’ll meet USAF pilot Samantha Weeks, whose Air Force journey is a great illustration of perseverance in following your dreams – even dreams that some in your life may say are not possible. All this, along with community news and events, are right here for you in this week’s issue of Desert Lightning News. Hard copies of the paper will be available on Nellis, Creech and throughout Las Vegas Friday morning. Pick one up when you’re out and about this weekend, or click on the link above for a digital edition, viewable on your computer or mobile device. “Like” our Facebook page for daily news updates and access to our website, story and photo archives. It’s our privilege to serve you – have a great week! #aerotechnews #nellisafbnews #creechafbnews

Air Force photograph by Airman Bailee A. Darbasie Air traffic controllers assigned to the 57th Operation Support Squadron guide various types of aircraft throughout the Nellis airways at the Nellis Air Traffic Control Facility....

A couple of years ago, in the midst of a difficult divorce, I struggled to have a good day. I was not a commander at the time, but still embraced the tenet that leaders should not have a bad day in public. I was attending a social, end-of-the-day function and hoping that my demeanor and...

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Published every other Friday, Nellis AFB Desert Lightning News is distributed on Nellis AFB, as well as locations throughout Las Vegas, NV

News and ad copy deadline is later than Monday, 4:30 p.m., the week of desired publication date. The publisher assumes no responsibility for error in ads other than space used.

The appearance of advertising in this publication, including inserts or supplements, does not constitute endorsement by the Department of Defense, U.S. Air Force, U.S. Army, U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps, or Aerotech News and Review, Inc., of the products or services advertised.